Perched on the rocky slopes of the Cycladic Island of Syros, residence Viglostasi is the intelligent and artful fusion of elegant modern architecture and the timeless charm of the traditional architecture of the Greek island villages. Designed by Athens-based architecture studio, Block722, Viglostasi is a private holiday home for a family of four.

Holiday homes are rapidly becoming more and more sought after by those who can afford them. They offer a retreat from daily routines, providing rejuvenation and relaxation. These spaces promote mental well-being, encouraging a break from stress and allowing its occupants to connect with nature, fostering a healthier work-life balance. Well-designed holiday homes enhance this experience, ensuring comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Thoughtful layouts optimise space, carve out stunning views, and create opportunities for entertainment, relaxation, and reflection alike.

Overlooking the vast blue expanse of the sea, Viglostasi is one such residence. Designed to capitalise on the slow island living style, the home is creatively designed yet simple in its functioning. It seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings while providing a generous and contemporary living space that embodies the slow lifestyle of the Aegean.

The residential architecture is inspired in part by the context of the Grecian Island it sits on, and in part by the studio's previous projects in Syros, namely Syros I and Syros II. The home marries the studio's signature style—a marriage of minimalist forms, natural materials, and a gentle, calming architectural approach with the easy simplicity of the Greek island vernacular making it a perfect holiday escape.

The home is visually unintrusive and is essentially a 500 sq mt complex of low, orthogonal volumes strategically arranged around a network of pathways connecting enclosed spaces, terraces, gardens, and patios, fostering a harmonious flow throughout the property. The main house, designed to be the focal point of the residence, encompasses a principal suite, a second bedroom, and a spacious open-plan living area.

To accommodate guests in addition to the primary occupants, two additional guest suites seamlessly connect to the primary residence through shared facilities and picturesque vistas. The central outdoor 'plaza' acts as the heart of the complex. It leads towards a breathtaking 25-metre infinity pool and a lounge terrace that is perfectly positioned at the lower end of the plot to offer uninterrupted views of the horizon. The arrangement of private and public spaces lends itself to a meandering circulation, perfectly suited for a holiday home.

“The residence perfectly fulfils the client's vision for a home that feels like a family of traditional Aegean structures. It offers different views, feels, and qualities of space, creating a haven that celebrates the essence of Greek island living,” says the studio.

The clever tiered design not only manages the steep incline of the site but also provides uninterrupted panoramic views from nearly every vantage point. The choice of natural materials—stone, wood, and plaster—and their thoughtful placement within the landscape ensures that the residence appears as if it belongs to the ancient Greek terrain.

The interior spaces are bathed in natural light and adorned with a colour palette inspired by nature. The design with terrazzo Palladiano floors, traditional shutters, and pergolas bring the Grecian aesthetic inside while maintaining a modern living space. A garden featuring native species and a green roof further enhance the feeling of being immersed in the picturesque landscapes of Greece.

While simple in its design, Viglostasi does not lack nuanced refinement. The studio achieves this not only through the expansive spatial designs but also through bespoke details, such as joinery, and the careful selection of materials. The use of Olympus marble, travertine stone, bamboo, and oak wood adds a touch of tangible yet gentle luxury of the Greek architecture to the living spaces.

Even though Viglostasi is primarily a private dwelling, it is also an ode to the Aegean of Greece, a place where modern luxury harmonises with the ancient beauty of Syros, creating an oasis that invites residents to savour the unhurried pace of life and connect with the natural splendour that surrounds them.

Project Details

Name: Viglostasi
Location: Syros, Greece
Year of completion: 2023
Design Firm: Block722
Design Team: Sotiris Tsergas, Katja Margaritoglou,
Vasiliki Moustafatzi, Michael Gryllakis, Patricia Fakiolaki, Grigoris Bodiotis, Agni Stasinopoulou, Sofia Stefanopoulou, Eva Dimoula, Sofia Damianidou, Eirini Liapikou, Ioanna Petroulaki, Νansy Nikolopoulou
Landscape: Outside Landscape Architecture
Lighting Study: Skia lighting
MEP: Leonardos Roussos
Electrical Engineer: Maximos Rossolatos
HVAC Consultant: Regeon PC- Kapetanakis K. & M.
Property Development and Consulting: Kyanon Development
Structural Engineer: Isidoros Rossolatos
Construction/Site Engineer: Isidoros Rossolatos
Construction Manager: Block722, Michael Gryllakis
Ceramics: Anna Karountzou ceramics, Lava toy ceramic